CHARLIE MAJOR Charlie Major has been a force in Country Music since the early 90 s. Most of the songs I ve written have been about other people, or situations that other people were going through that I felt I could relate to. This time it came from my life, which is different for me, says the Juno and CCMA award winner. I felt compelled to do it. It was a therapeutic thing that just unfolded on its own, Major says It s my honesty and my truth and at the end of the day, so in the end I decided that it belongs there. Young at Heart was his first single and included on this CD. With such a strong collection of emotional songs, Major continues to add many awards to his collection. Track 2: Right Here Right Now Track 9: Young at Heart www.charliemajor.com
BRAD JOHNER A staple of country radio and video,brad Johner is the 2007 CCMA Male Artist of the Year, a 4 time Juno nominee, and one of Canada s most respected artists, songwriters, and performers. Canadian country music sensation, Brad has been busy, his albums, several high profile performances, including the Queen s Gala and Canada Summer Games and a heavy touring schedule from Victoria to Quebec City, has kept Johner on the forefront of the Canadian Country music scene, a position he carved out over a thriving decade-long career in Canada. When Brad is out on stage, with his band and his fans, he feels that he s in the presence of friends. Track 11: Hello Track 6: When Heaven Opens Up www.bradjohner.com
KAL HOURD Kal is a combination of a number of known country artists and you get a sense of what Kal Hourd is all about. After years of performing, writing and networking, Kal is gearing up to make 2007 and 2008 his break into the Canadian Country Music scene. This self-described Contemporary Country artist is ready to expand from his home in Saskatchewan where he has performed at a variety of venues. To each of his shows, Kal brings an incredible interaction with his listeners and has drawn the attention of many artists and other music industry professionals. Kal has received several points of recognition: 2007 CCMA New Artist Showcase, 2007 SCMA Rising Start Award winner! 2007 SCMA Award nomination including Male Vocalist of the Year, Rising Star and Country Music Person of the Year. Track 10: Take Our Breath Away www.kalhourd.com
DOC WALKER The three-time past JUNO nominees scored big in 2007 with three prestigious awards, CCMA Album of the Year and WCMA Outstanding Country Recording of the Year and Independent Album of the Year. The members of Doc Walker have a hardworking commitment to do whatever it takes to build a devoted audience via delivering their energetic brand of rockin country to the music lovers of this nation. Ultimately, the band says, this whole journey is making sure the fans get what they want. This is for the fans. We love the fact that people come out to the shows, singing our songs. Track 13: Right Here Beside Me Track 7: Keri www.docwalker.ca
EMERSON DRIVE In 2007, Emerson Drive earned their first #1 song with Moments, received their first CMA Award nominations in the categories of Video of the Year for Moments, and Group or Duo of the Year, and were recently named GRAMMY nominees for Best Country Performance By A Group or Duo with Vocals. Emerson Drive is taking a small break from the road for the rest of the year as they record material for a brand new album set for release in 2008. Emerson Drive also hit the TV airwaves this past holiday season to co-host a one hour segment of Great American Country s Top 50 Videos of the Year with host Nan Kelly. Track 4: Testify Track 12: Countrified Soul www.emersondrive.com
LISA HEWITT What do you get when you combine an impressive amount of radio airplay with rave reviews of live shows, plus a stream of equally adoring accolades from influential members of the country music industry, and a string of bookings that range from high profile dates in Europe and Las Vegas to major summer festivals on the Canadian country circuit? You get a short but focused summary of what rising country star, Lisa Hewitt, has been able to accomplish in the world of country music. Impressive indeed! Then again Hewitt understands exactly who she is, what her strengths are and knows where her passions lay. Couple that strong personality with a great voice, and a natural feel for entertaining and performing. Track 5: Somebody www.lisahewitt.com
POVERTY PLAINSMAN The Lap of Luxury album would represent a leap forward for The Poverty Plainsmen. They took a more active role in the writing than they ever had in the past. They were co-producing for the first time, alongside hit-maker Steve Fox, who placed his signature on this project. His songwriting pen was attached to seven of the songs. The bulk of the lead vocals were superbly handled by Mark Smith, with brother Sean taking lead vocals on three tracks. On April 23rd, 2004, the record was 99% complete. Then, according to Mark Smith, Everything changed in a snap. Just two days later, the road where they had toured so relentlessly to nurture their fan base became the site of a tragedy that was felt through the entire Canadian Music community. On the morning of April 25th, the band s truck flipped off a northern Alberta highway, injuring many of the band members. Co-founder Sean Smith was airlifted to Edmonton with a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Today, Sean Smith continues his road to rehabilitation and remains one of the driving forces behind The Poverty Plainsmen. Occasionally making guest appearances when possible. Track 1: The Secret to My Success Track 8: He is a lot Like Me www.thepovertyplainsmen.com
JESSIE FARRELL 2007 was a good year at the 31st Annual BCCMA Awards! Jessie Farrell was presented two awards! Female Vocalist of The Year and the Ray McAuley Horizon Award. Jessie was also nominated for Single of the Year Country Award with Let s Talk About Love at the Canadian Radio Music Awards! Jessie also had a new album Nothing Fancy out in 2007. Also a new website recently launched and making it easier to keep in Touch with her fans! More photos, updates on the tours, videos and blogs of her adventures of her team and their travels. Track 3: Prettiest Things www.jessiefarrell.com
To assist persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. The National Canadian Paraplegic Association was founded by seven paralyzed World War II veterans. These men sought independence and formed a network of peers. An integral part of what the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) has been offering since its beginning, is peer support, that is support and advice from someone who s been there and can serve as a role model and mentor to encourage and help individuals and families work through the challenges they face. CPA members have worked with their peers and have experienced new activities, have revived their sports interests, participated in new recreational and leisure activities or have seen career or educational adjustments. Sean Smith a new CPA member continues to expand his interests working with his peers and he said the CD compilation project provided him an opportunity to give back his support to CPA, with his music experience assisting in the contacting of artists, music selection, and copy to support this development.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is devastating, affecting every aspect of a person s life. Each year in Canada, it becomes a painful reality for 1,000 more people. The Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) strives to be there for every one of them. You can help. Facts: 35,000 Canadians have spinal cord injuries 1,000 new permanent injuries occur annually Four times more men than women experience spinal cord injuries 75% of people with spinal cord injuries are between the ages of 15 34 50% of spinal cord injuries are a result of motor vehicle collisions